AK University Took My Knifemaking Skills from Good to Exceptional

As a self-taught knifemaker, I reached a point where I knew I had to go back and properly learn the skills I had rushed through, especially when it came to grinding. AK University stood out as the perfect place to refine my techniques under the guidance of a seasoned expert. Andreas helped me break free from relying on jigs for grinding, teaching me how to use the grinder and tool rest with push sticks. This approach helped me connect with the machine and gave me the control I was missing. Not only did I master grinding without a jig, but I also successfully created a hamon for the first time—something I had struggled with in the past. What really impressed me, though, were all the small, invaluable lessons that Andreas shared—how to think critically about knife design, blending aesthetics with function, and developing efficient workflows. One particular game-changer was Andreas’ process for handle layout and drilling; it saved me hours and added precision to my work. The